UPDATE: 'My dog is my family': Pregnant woman refuses to rehome her kid-friendly German shepherd just because her fiancé's 4-year-old daughter is afraid of dogs, ends up finding a wholesome solution for everyone

Author image for Jesse Kessenheimer
Jesse Kessenheimer • Writer and Editor
Nov 25, 2025 9:00 AM EST

Dog people judge a dog by their actions, not their preexisting, breed-ist notions. While German Shepherds don't exactly have the best track record as a family-friendly breed, there are plenty of good boys and girls out there who are well-trained, delightfully pawtective, and love their tiny human family members. However, this woman's fiancé had a 4-year-old who was afraid of dogs, and he just wasn't willing to give his fiancée's dog of 6 years a chance to change the stigma, simply because he didn't feel like putting in the effort. 

Lucky for this kid-friendly pooch, their fur mother was happy to go the extra mile to find a solution. Instead of agreeing to re-home her fur child, like her future husband wanted, this woman diligently searched for thoughtful ways to rehabilitate her future step-daughter, warming the 4-year-old girl to her dog's clumsy, yet sweet, energy… Just in time for her new baby on the way. 

We don't always have clear-cut options when building a family, but including the family dog in the household roster is important to dog lovers. And it's just as important as making the kiddos in the house comfortable, too. 

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  • Woman petting her dog and kissing their snoot
    via Onbra Simankova

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • I (32F) and my bf (31M) have been together for two years and are now expecting a child. He already has a child (4f) who I have accepted as my own. I came to the relationship with a dog that my ex-fiancé gifted me at the end of my then relationship.
    via bermuduhtriangl
  • My dog is a 6 year old shepherd and I've had her since she was 8 weeks old she's friendly, good with kids, 45 lbs. but unfortunately doesn't know her own size. She does have an anxiety issue which is treated with a crate that she loves, medication when she needs and lots of exercise.
    via bermuduhtriangl
  • My bf won't move in with me or officially start our family which he really wants to start bc his daughter is afraid of dogs, which I think she'll get over as she learns the dog and as she grows
    via bermuduhtriangl
  • up, for reference I was also afraid of dogs as a kid. My bf is afraid the dog won't react well to kids and a newborn in the house and because she is a larger and clumsier breed and anxious he's worried she will snap.
    via bermuduhtriangl
  • I want to explore other options like deeper training before just getting rid of my dog but he's adamant the dog goes before the baby comes. Other than the
    via bermuduhtriangl
  • danger of dogs with kids he also doesn't like the dog is a gift from my ex and says the dog reminds him of my past relationship and he would like to start fresh with me with our family.
    via bermuduhtriangl
  • Woman and her GSD in the forest
    via Onbra Simankova

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • He generally isn't a dog person to begin with and didn't grow up with pets in the home but I did and my dog is my family. So I'm having a hard time being ok with
    via bermuduhtriangl
  • having to rehome her without giving her a chance. He also told me he doesn't want to risk the danger of having a dog in the house with a newborn.
    via bermuduhtriangl
  • I'm not willing to part ways with the dog or the father of my child. But my dog is my first child. AITA for not choosing?
    via bermuduhtriangl
  • ETA: a lot of you are commenting saying my dog is not trained which is untrue. She is trained. She's trained very well and listens well. She just hasn't lived with kids before and has anxiety. I'm
    via bermuduhtriangl
  • not a bad dog owner or short sighted at all. I completely understand the dangers of dogs and kids as I've had dogs my whole life.
    via bermuduhtriangl
  • Also. I won't be dumping my boyfriend and making myself a single mother.
    via bermuduhtriangl
  • Update: A lot of you are extremely cruel. Nowhere in my original post did I say I was rehoming my dog. I actually said I was unwilling to.
    via bermuduhtriangl
  • We have decided to take the 4 y/o to therapy and have her go to a training center with the dog. When baby is born we will keep the dog with my brother for a month and then slowly integrate her with the newborn to see how the dog does.
    via bermuduhtriangl
  • wilmaismyhomegirl83 He's the asshole for not seeing how much your dog means to you. It's all about him. I just realised you haven't lived together. I'm sure this won't be the only thing he expects you to bend on. You're carrying his baby. He should be doing his best to not put pressure or ultimatums on you.
    via wilmaismyhomegirl83
  • TheEvilSatanist Get rid of the real dog: your bf!
    via TheEvilSatanist
  • Maleficent_Pay_4154 I would have your BF go before I would get rid of my dog
    via Maleficent_Pay_4154
  • The_Naxian_ . I agree with other people here! You must have known he was not a dog person. You must have known he would not move in with the dog! Why did you get pregnant if you already knew you were incompatible?
    via The_Naxian_
  • BeMandalorTomad Absolutely NTA Try speaking with your OB or a midwife. I was just given a pamphlet full of helpful information on how to integrate dogs and new
    via BeMandalorTomad
  • babies. Also talking to your vet would be a great point of contact, too. There are options out there and your partner is being a massive AH for making this decree without giving your pupper a chance.
    via BeMandalorTomad

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kid friendly dogs german shepherd gsd scared rehome pregnant daughter
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